Penn State Extension Food & Health

05/02/2026

🌿Cilantro lime crema reveal! This delicious tangy sauce freeze-dried well! Don't bother wasting time doing drops like I did because it just crumbles into a powder.

It rehydrates with so much flavor and the perfect texture! Add more or less water based on how smooth or thick you prefer. Another win!

Would you try this?

Come back tomorrow for the next reveal!

05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote emotional well-being. 💚

Penn State Extension is offering a webinar series on Mental Health Topics this month. Register for these and more on our website: https://extension.psu.edu/youth-family-and-health/nutrition-diet-and-health/mental-health

Mental Wellness Series: Fostering Mental Health in Youth
When: May 5th @ 12PM
Learn how adults can support youth in developing healthy coping skills and resilience during stressful experiences.

Mental Wellness Series: Helping Others in Distress
When: May 13th @ 12PM
Understand signs of distress and strategies to help, while learning how trauma may intensify emotional responses.

Mental Wellness Series: Emotional Overload
When: May 26th @ 12PM
Learn useful self-help strategies during this live webinar to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression during stressful times.

Mental Wellness Series: Understanding Addiction
When: June 2nd @ 12PM
Explore the science, brain function, and personal stories behind addiction in this live webinar, part of a six-session Mental Wellness Series focused on positive mental health.

photo credit: SAMHSA

05/01/2026

🍅🫘Leading up to Cinco de Mayo, let's see how the freeze-dried toppings for our nachos rehydrate!

The corn and bean salsa freeze-dried very well, and the flavors and aroma were still there when rehydrated. The texture of the corn and beans changed slightly, but still a delicious addition!

Has anyone else tried these freeze-dried ingredients? What were your opinions or how did you use them in recipes?

Come back tomorrow for the next reveal! 👀

04/30/2026

Fresh food, local farms, simple recipes 🍽
Starting next week, our Market Fresh recipe series will begin for the 2026 season. Check back every other Thursday for a fresh new recipe to try at home. 🍓🍏🍅🥔🌽
Not sure where your closest market is? Use the PA Farm Market Finder to plan your next market stop: https://extension.psu.edu/farm-market-finder

04/27/2026

In this new article, discover simple, practical snacking ideas that can help the whole family stay energized and nourished throughout their busy days.

Think P + P (Produce + Protein) 🍎🥦🧀🍳🫛
Read on for more!

https://extension.psu.edu/healthy-snacking-for-the-whole-family

04/24/2026

🍅 Cook. Learn. Eat the Mediterranean way!

Join Penn State Extension for Let’s Cook at Home: Mediterranean, a live virtual cooking class featuring:
✅ Easy Mediterranean recipes
✅ Simple cooking techniques
✅ Health‑focused, flavorful foods

When: April 30, 2026 | 5-6 PM
📍 Online | Live
💻 Space is limited & registration required
👉 Save your spot: https://extension.psu.edu/lets-cook-at-home-mediterranean

04/17/2026

While AI can be a useful tool, have you ever wondered how it might influence your thoughts or feelings?
Discover how AI is transforming children’s lives, but research on its impact on mental health is limited; therefore, parents must guide safe and informed use.

Read more here: https://extension.psu.edu/navigating-ai-as-a-parent-how-to-support-your-childs-digital-well-being

04/15/2026

🍞 Getting started with Sourdough?

Our friends at University of Illinois Extension have a great resource for anyone interested in baking...especially if you’re diving into sourdough!

From starter tips to baking basics, their page is full of helpful guidance to build your skills and confidence in the kitchen.

👏 We love sharing great resources from our Extension partners!

👉 Explore it here: https://extension.illinois.edu/food/baking

Title Sourdough Bread Body Sourdough bread is a type of bread made using a natural fermentation process involving a sourdough starter. This starter is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria from the environment, which helps the dough rise and gives sourdough its distincti...

04/13/2026

Learn how to estimate health care costs, understand typical expenses, and use available resources to make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

When: Thursday, April 16 at 12 pm
Free and Recorded!

Register today👉 https://extension.psu.edu/smart-choice-smart-use-health-insurance-understanding-health-care-costs

04/10/2026

Interested in learning more about preserving food at home by canning, freezing, or drying? 🍎 Join us for an in-person workshop (offered regionally) or a webinar (recorded if you can't attend live) throughout the canning season. Check the link for details!

https://extension.psu.edu/home-food-preservation-workshops-offered-regionally

04/07/2026

🌍 World Health Day

Today is a reminder that small, everyday choices can make a big difference in your health and well-being. 💙

From eating nutritious foods and staying active to getting enough sleep and managing stress...your health matters every day.

Penn State Extension is here to support you with trusted, research-based programs to help you and your community live healthier lives.

✨ Take a step toward better health today!
https://extension.psu.edu/youth-family-and-health